Jaguar XK140 MC Fixed Head Coupe

The Jaguar XK140 was aimed at the American market with substantial bumpers and a bold, less fragile grille of cast aluminum, with fewer, albeit thicker, bars. The XK140 also offered more interior space, thanks to the engine being moved forward three inches. The scuttle was raised, creating more headroom and increased clearance between the steering wheel and the driver’s seat. More precise rack-and-pinion steering replaced the old Burman steering box. The handsome fixed head coupe also featured 2+2 seating, thanks to a relocation of the batteries, and a total of 2,797 were sold.

This car is equipped with the high-performance “MC” variant, which combined the crankshaft damper, wire-spoke wheels, dual exhaust outlets, twin fog lamps, and windscreen washers of the “M” option package with the competition-bred, high-flow cylinder head of the Le Mans-conquering C-Type. When new, the MC package represented an incredible value, adding just $295 to the base price of the XK140.

The subject of a year-long, frame-off restoration by a 40-year JCNA judge, it was started with a very solid original example, which has been owned by the seller for the last decade. He restores only one example at a time and produces multiple JCNA prize-winners and also owns one of the largest collections of Jaguars in the world, including hard-to-find pre-WWII models.

This fixed head coupe is described as a true, numbers-matching MC, finished in antique white with red leather interior. It indicates only 78,000 original miles, with just 10 miles since the restoration, which is thoroughly documented. This fixed head coupe includes all appropriate books and tools. It has never been shown and possesses a Jaguar Daimler Heritage Trust Certificate. The improved XK140 is described as much more “user friendly” than the original XK120, and the new owner will undoubtedly appreciate its creature comforts.

The car featured in this gallery is part of the 2012 RM Auction in Monterey.